Allison Phillips, a professional engineer, gave a walk through of the design, simulation, and production of simple circuits using free tools, during last nights NCRC meeting.
![Allison Phillips talk 12jan15 1](https://w1sye.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Allison-Phillips-talk-12jan15-1-300x260.jpg)
Allison Phillips Presenting to NCRC Members
Allison used LT-Spice, a free circuit simulation tool, available from Linear Technology at: http://www.linear.com/designtools/software/
For her PCB Prototypes, she used another free tool that is well integrated with the DigiKey parts catalog, called ExpressPCB. This CAD software is used to capture a schematic and layout a PCB which is then produced in a few days by ExpressPCB (a set of 3 identical small boards costs $51, for example)
![Allison Phillips talk 12jan15 3](https://w1sye.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Allison-Phillips-talk-12jan15-3-300x242.jpg)
Allison reviews Googled oscillator designs
Coincidentally, the February 2015 QST had an article on rapid prototyping: “Make Homebrewed Look Factory Built”. That article also described using ExpressPCB, as well as other companies to produce metal enclosures and attractive front-panels. (Reprinted with permission, February 2015 QST; copyright ARRL)
(Thanks to Dave Brown, KC1AAA, for the photographs)